Swindon Supermarine boss to take Shield final seriously

SWINDON Supermarine boss Dave Webb will ensure tonight’s delayed Wiltshire Premier Shield clash with Salisbury City is treated like a final even though he intends to use the match to fine-tune his squad.

The game is carried over from last season after fixture congestion meant it was unable to be played, with Marine beating Chippenham 8-2 over two legs to set up tonight’s final at their Webb’s Wood Stadium home, kick-off 7.45pm.

Webb has doubts over the fitness of Chris Taylor, Dave Bampton and Ash Edenborough, but regardless of the strength of side he is able to put out he is still urging his side to secure the trophy.

“We have got some important games coming up and have some to fit in too, but you have to remember we have not won in our last three so this could help us,” he said. “We have players who need minutes in their legs too and that will be taken into account, but first and foremost we want to win it.

“There were players here last season who did well to reach the final, and although there are a fair few new players and I wasn’t here last year it would be good to win.

“We were excellent in our last game other than the result, and it would be great to keep that going.

“I never like to just throw away a game, and we have to remember that it is a final, meaning we want a proper performance.”

The Blue Square Bet South leaders are unlikely to field a strong side given they had a first team game last night, and Webb believes the whole format of the competition needs to be looked at as a result.

“Maybe the tournament should be looked at in a way where it is combined with the Wiltshire Senior Cup or something like that,” he said.

“If all the teams who enter put out a first team then it might be a bit different, but they don’t, so it needs to be looked at.”

Last night’s local non-league action was wiped out by the winter weather.

Malmesbury Vics’ Challenge Cup clash at home to Maidenhead Reserves and Highworth’s Premier Division clash against Holyport at The Elms were both postponed.